Free Comic Book Day expected to draw 7,000 to Rochester Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle creator will be feature artist

By Conor Makem

cmakem@fosters.com

fosters.com

By Conor Makem

cmakem@fosters.com

Posted Apr. 25, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Conor Makem

cmakem@fosters.com

Posted Apr. 25, 2013 at 3:15 AM

ROCHESTER — Rochester will be flooded with superheroes, villains, time travelers, aliens and more on Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 4. According to organizer Ralph DiBernardo, the annual event drew 5,000 visitors last year and he’s expecting 7,000 this year.

“It’s free and it’s fun. Comic books have always been fun,” he says of the event’s growing popularity. “It’ll go from 4 and 5 year olds to 65-70 year olds.”

Over 50,000 free comic books will be distributed at this year’s event, including exclusive comic books that aren’t available anywhere else. Eighteen local businesses, including DiBernardo’s Jetpack Comics, will be participating.

The day starts at 10 a.m., when fans can acquire their passports at Jetpack Comics, 37 North Main St. Using the passports, they can then proceed to visit participating businesses to collect a free comic book.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle creator Kevin Eastman will be on hand at the Exhibition Hall at the Knights of Columbus.

The Knights of Columbus hall also will feature dozens of other artists, vendors, demonstrators and concessions. The fun doesn’t end there as participating businesses are also encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and host interactive events. Free parking is available at the North Main Street, Union Street, Congress Street or City Hall parking lots. Visitors are cautioned to make sure that they do not park in private parking lots.

There will be a “Magic” Gaming Room at the Roberge Center off of Bridge Street.

This will be the seventh annual Free Comic Book Day in Rochester and Jesse Robidas has attended all of them.

“Once you spend so much money on ridiculous outfits, you need to find a reason to wear them,” he jokes. This will only be the second year he’ll be dressing up. “It’s just neat to see everyone in town on the same page. The costumes seem to get better every year.”

This year brings new ways to have fun, including fast passes, a changed-up scavenger hunt, T-shirt early entry, costume bonuses and “plenty of turtle fun.” Got a bunch of comics kicking around that you don’t want to read anymore? Bring them to the Monster Comics Booth, in the convention hall, and they will let you swap them out for things you have not read. Comics must be complete and readable.

Limited to only 1,000 pieces created, master Star Wars patch designer Kevin Liell has provided Free Comic Book Day with a very limited quantity of his May 4 special commemorative patch. Just show up to Free Comic Book Day dressed as your favorite Star Wars character and you can get a limited edition patch at Jetpack Comics.

Don’t forget about the Free Comic Book Day after party. A minimal cost allows you and a friend to have a night of FCBD fun!

Cocheco Equipment Company on Signal Street will also be hosting an Open House Saturday with special offers, demonstrations, and a refreshment stand. They are hosting a benefit barbecue, with all proceeds going to the Rochester Main Street Program.

Free Comic Book Day is a national event that takes place annually the first Saturday in May. Rochester’s Free Comic Book Day runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 in the heart of downtown! For more information contact Jetpack Comics at (603) 330-9636 or visit www.jetpackcomics.com. Or you can contact Rochester Main Street at (603) 330-3208 or director@rochestermainstreet.org.